News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

LIVE IT !

Ezekiel 33:30-33
________________
You are to them as
a very lovely song
...They hear your
words, but they do
not do them.
--Ezekiel 33:32
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regular intake of God's Word is a worthy practice, but it's not an end in itself. The prophet Ezekiel spoke to an audience who loved to listen but refused to act. The Lord said to Ezekiel: 'Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them" (33:32).

Jesus said,: "Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matt. 7:24).

How will each of us read the Bible this year? Will we read it quickly to achieve the goal of getting through it? Or will we read it with the aim of doing what it says?

Don't just read it. Live it! --D. McCasland

The Bible gives us all we need
To live our lives for God each day;
But it won't help if we don't read
Then follow what its pages say. ~ + + +
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE VALUE OF THE BIBLE CONSISTS NOT ONLY IN KNOWING IT
BUT OBEYING IT.

Our Daily Bread
Blessings, Abishag <><

DON'T WASTE
YOUR BREATH -

Genesis 2:1-7
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let everything that
has breath praise the
LORD.
--Psalm 150:6
---------
When God breathed into Adam, He gave more than life; He gave a reason to live: Worship!! As the psalmist said "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD" (Ps. 150:6).

This means that we waste our breath when we use it for something that doesn't honor the One in whom "we live and move and have our being" (Acs 17:28).

We cannot blow life into a handful of dirt, but we can use our breath to speak words of comfort, to sing songs of praise, and to run to help the sick and oppressed. When we use our breath to honor our Creator with our unique combination of talents, abilities, and opportunities, we will never be wasting it.--J. A. Link

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do. <><

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
ALL THAT I AM AND HAVE I OWE TO JESUS!

Our Daily Bread
Blessings, Abishag <><

LITTLE THINGS
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
--
The Father of
mercies and God
of all comfort...
comforts us in all our
tribulation.
--2 Corinthians 1:3-4 -

A medical school program in New York gives students who are training for geriatric medicine a unique opportunity. They experience life as nursing home residents for 10 days. They learn some of the struggles of maneuvering a wheelchair and being raised out of bed with a lift, as well as reaching the shower bar from a seated position. One student learned how little things counted for a lot--like lowering nameplates on doors so that patients can find their rooms more easily, or putting the TV remote in a reachable location. Although the students still can't fully relate, they will be better able to serve the elderly in their future work.

Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to use the lessons we've learned and the comfort He's given us during difficult times to help others in special ways. Paul indicated this when he wrote: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jeseus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Are you using the lessons you've learned in your trials to touch the lives of others? Remember--even little things can mean a lot.
---------
God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable;
He comforts us to make us comforters.

ODB/AC

CHANGE OF
DIRECTION

1 Thessalonians 1
--
They themselves
declare...how you
turned to God from
idols to serve the
living and true God.
--1 Thessalonians 1:9 -
~~
THE United States Secret Service was founded in 1865. Their mission? To deal with counterfeiters in an attempt to protect the dollar and, as a result, America's national economy. This targeted group of law enforcement officers, however, experienced a change of direrction in 1902. They became best known for protecting the President of the United States, although their charge still embodies a variety of tasks.

That change of direction in the Secret Service duties is nothing compared to the completely altered lives of the believers at Thessalonica. They had a spiritual transformation that turned their lives around, which was noticed by people far and wide. Paul wrote, "You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (1 Thess. 1:9). And "you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe...Your faith toward God has gone out" (vv.7-8). The change of direction they displayed was dramatic, to say the least--abandoning the worship of idols to embrace relationship with the true and living God. And people noticed the difference in their lives.

I wonder--do people recognize such a profound change in our hearts and lives?
--
If you are going in the wrong direction,
Or if you have no goal in view,
Let Christ transform you, have control,
Then honor Him in all you do.
---
Coming to Christ is not merely informational:
it's transformational.
ODB/BC

--The Good Samaritan's Love ~

"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell
among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine... Which of these three, do you think, proved to be
a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy."

And Jesus said to him,
"You go, and do likewise." -
-- Luke 10:30-37

If I'm having a conversation with someone and I want to better
understand their spiritual state, I'll often ask, "If you
died and God asked, 'Why should I let you into heaven?', what would you say?"

And almost always, I get one of three answers: "Because of grace," "Because of my good works," or "I don't know." Now, I love the first answer and appreciate the honesty of the third, but when someone tells me they believe they're good enough to make it to heaven, I know they're a long way from God.

There are so many people in the world today who think that the Gospel is only for the thief, the murderer, or the prostitute. They think they've outgrown their need for the Gospel.

On one occasion when Jesus taught the about the greatest commandment, to love God and love your neighbor, an expert in the Jewish Law asked, "Who is my neighbor?"

So Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan in which a man was beaten and robbed. He was passed, ignored by a priest and a Levite, both of whom were highly involved in Jewish
worship. But then a Samaritan, from one of the most despised races of people in Israel, stopped and helped.

This is a clear picture of the Gospel. It doesn't matter how
many times you go to church or how many email devotionals are in your inbox. What matters is whether or not you love others.

So don't ever feel like you've outgrown your need for the
Gospel because all ground is level at the foot of the cross!
--
EVERYONE IS IN NEED OF THE GOSPEL, SO LIVE IT OUT EACH DAY WITH HUMILITY AND GRACE.

-God's Grace -
-By: Henry Morris, Ph.D.
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

Although Christ has set the believer free from legalistic bondage, he is now under a still higher law--the law of Christ. It is also called "the law of the Spirit of life" which has made us "free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).

The law of Christ does not consist of many detailed ordinances which we are duty bound to obey. It is a law which we want to obey out of love for Christ. "Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10). Paul says that "the end of the commandment is charity [that is, Christian love] out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" (1 Timothy 1:5). James calls it "the royal law," defining it simply as, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (James 2:8).

Instead of a law bringing us into bondage, it is "the perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25), setting us free from slavery to sin. It not only gives us the desire to please the Lord, but also the will and the ability to do so.

It is not as though we are now without law and thereby free to indulge our carnal appetites. Paul explains his own new nature thus: "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more . . . (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ)" (1 Corinthians 9:19, 21).

In Christ, "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested," and He is "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth" (Romans 3:21; 10:4). But though we "have been called unto liberty," Paul commands us to "use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).

-Thus, to believe in Christ is also to obey Him.
--ICR/HMM

-U.S.E. Your Faith
-By: Henry Morris III, D.Min.

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17)
--
Today's verse contains a portion of Habakkuk 2:4, emphasizing that those who have been "twice born" can live using the same faith that God granted us so that we could believe (Ephesians 2:8). An acronym for "USE" can help focus our thoughts.

-U--Use what you have: Moses had only a rod when God called him to deliver the nation of Israel (Exodus 4:2-6). We should use the talent and equipment already in our possession, just like the widow of Zarephath who gave her meager grain (1 Kings 17:10-16). Daniel used his secular position (Daniel 6:14-23) and Esther used her beauty and bravery (Esther 4:13-17) to accomplish His will.

-S--Start doing it: Nothing happens unless we become involved. The priests of Israel participated in the miracle at Jordan when they obeyed and stepped in the river (Joshua 3:5-17). The widow did not reap the bounty until she followed Elisha's instructions and borrowed pots from her neighbors (2 Kings 4:1-7). After the miracle of the oil, she surely wished that she had not limited God's supply. The man who was born blind had to wash as instructed before he could see (John 9:1-7). And those at Lazarus' tomb had to open it before they could see him resurrected (John 11:39). God instructs, we obey, and He performs.

-E--Expect it to happen: The centurion understood our Lord's authority when he asked Him to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-13). The Syrophonecian woman insisted on being healed (Matthew 15:21-26), and the nobleman went home confident that his son had been saved (John 4:46-53).

Circumstances will vary, but God's "formula" does not.
-ICR/ HMM III

-Show Your Adoration for the Lord!

-Quietness and Trust--
-Luke 11:38-42; Mark 14:3-9

"In quietness and trust is your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15)

There are as many different ways to draw near to God on our journey with Him as there are people who journey--each individual seeking and serving our Lord from his or her unique perspective.

Unlike her sister, the outspoken server Martha, Mary of Bethany was a quiet woman who experienced life with deep, heartfelt emotion. She chose to sit at Jesus' feet listening to Him speak instead of helping Martha. She longed to learn from Jesus. The more she heard Him teach, the more her heart craved His words.

Eventually, she needed to express tangibly how much Jesus meant to her. One evening at dinner, as Martha busily served, Mary came into the room, stood behind Jesus, broke open an extremely expensive bottle of perfume, and, without words, poured the scented oil over Him--a sacrificial act of love and devotion for Him.

Each of us must choose how we will show our devotion for Christ. For some, like Mary, a quiet, heartfelt sacrifice of love, gratitude, and praise is the only way.
----
"...my sole purpose is to live simply and purely in devotion to the Lord...being still and waiting, sitting at His feet."
--(Cynthia Heald)
--Haven Today

-Obedience is Always the Best Choice!

-Trust and Obey
-Read | Joshua 6:1-5 (Recommended Reading)

One of my favorite songs is "Trust and Obey" because it sums up God's purpose for our lives. When we practice these two commands, a beautiful cycle begins. Trusting the Lord makes obedience easier, and obedience produces ever-increasing trust. Can you recall facing a challenge that was difficult or perplexing? If so, you know how important these two commands are.

When the Lord calls you to a task that seems unreasonable, you have two options. You can obey Him even though you don't understand what will happen, or you can become fearful and attempt to find a way out. Joshua chose the first option. Because he trusted the Lord, he disregarded all his military experience and adopted God's bizarre battle plan. Over the years, he had learned that the Lord is trustworthy.

The way we respond to God's challenging assignments reveals our level of commitment. We may feel as if we're right in step with Him--until He proposes a change of direction. That's when our resistance kicks in, and with it, the realization we aren't as close to Him as we thought. At that point, our decision determines whether the Lord will be able to use us as He desires. Because Joshua never lost his commitment, he continued to serve the Lord for the remainder of his life.

At times obedience is a struggle, as your mind runs through all the reasons God's path is illogical. Fear dominates and your will battles to comply when everything within is screaming to run the other way.
But obedience is always the best choice, because the Lord is trustworthy and wise.

--In Touch

-Lukewarmness--a Form of Blasphemy

-BIBLE MEDITATION:
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." Revelation 2:4
---
-DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
In Revelation 2:1-7, we read about the Lord's charge that the church at Ephesus had left their first love. It wasn't that they didn't love the Lord Jesus. It was that they didn't love Him like they used to. If there ever was a time when you loved Jesus more than you do at this moment, you're backslidden.

G. Campbell Morgan said that lukewarmness is the worst form of blasphemy. I believe he's right. Lukewarmness is a way of saying, "God, I believe in You, but You just don't excite me."

Oh, how we ought to stay in love with the Lord Jesus Christ!

-ACTION POINT:
Have you left your first love? Has your love for Jesus become lukewarm? Pray Psalm 26:2 and seek His face.

If you have put other things before Christ, whereas Christ used to be your first love, then you must pray repentance and 'come back to your first love, Jesus'.
Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." He stands ready to receive you back into His open arms. Please bow your head, and ask for forgiveness. He is waiting for you....Oh, How He Loves Us!
--Adrian Rogers

--Path to Faith
-Luke 8:13; John 20:1-18

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Trained in Christian dogma from birth, I was a teen before I realized that Jesus died, not just cataegorically for the whole world, but specifically for me, and that He desired me to worship Him as Lord.

How Mary Magdalene loved Jesus, this miracle man who had released her from the power of the evil one. In gratitude, she became one of many women who traveled with Jesus to support and provide for Him. Then, suddenly, He was gone--crucified, dead, buried! Overwhelmed with grief and confusion, she went to the tomb, only to discover He was missing!

When Jesus appeared to her, Mary didn't recognize Him--not until He said her name. Then she not only recognized Jesus, she knew Him and fell down in worship. At least she understood this was no mere man, or teacher. This was her resurrected Savior and Lord! Praise Jesus!

Each of us needs to reach that same realization. Who is Jesus to you? A good man? A wise prophet? Or is He the Son of God who died to cleanse your sins and offer you eternal life?
---
"He is Lord! Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, That Jesus Christ is Lord!"
-You'll Come, Lord Jesus!
<http://youtu.be/mJ_FHExjq2o>

-BECOMING A GIANT WITH GOD
-By: David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

“Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).

You must consider your daily appointments with God more sacred and important than appointments with any other people — no matter who they are.

How embarrassing it must be for heaven to see the way we Christians fail to highly regard the majesty of our God, the King of Glory. We are often flippant in the way we keep Him waiting. And at the drop of a hat, we will suddenly cancel plans to meet with Him in His courts, all for the most trifling thing!

Can you imagine someone keeping the Creator of the universe waiting while he lingers to view his favorite TV program? Yet that is what many of us do! Even worse, we often do not bother to show up in God's presence at all. It is not that we forget our appointment with Him but we willfully refuse to appear before Him!

Isaiah lamented, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not" (Isaiah 53:3). When I allow interruptions to come between me and my appointments with the Lord, I am hiding my face from Him and not appreciating Him as I should.

The truth is, it is impossible to waste time when you are seeking God in prayer. Furthermore, outside the secret closet, the praying man or woman accomplishes more in less time, with less hurry and less effort and sweat.

The most effective work for God we will ever do is on our knees. While the prayerless run helter skelter, to and fro, attempting great things, the praying Christian is hard at work moving kingdoms, shattering strongholds, doing great things and, in the process, becoming a giant with God.~~~

-Thirst No More
-John 4:1-26; Psalm 1

"...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:14)

Thirst is a powerful metaphor. Bright students are said to have a "thirst for knowledge." Dictators are remembered as "cruel and bloodthirsty." Those who ascend Mt. Everest, skydive, or have other daring hobbies have a "thirst" for adventure." Thirst brings to mind a passionate desire to have a longing fulfilled.

Everyone has thirsted at some point, even in the very real sense of the word. Jesus Himself said from the cross among His last words, "I am thirsty" (John 19:28).

But ever since sin entered the world, separating us from God, nothing will quench our spiritual thirst except the Living Water, Jesus. The woman at the well is a picture of us all. Jesus went out of His way, literally, to bring Good News to her: Our souls can find true and lasting refreshment in Him.

In Christ, we become springs of His life-giving water to share with the thirsty souls around us. After she believed, that's exactly what the Samaritan woman did (John 4:39-42). May your passionate desire for a meaningful life be fulfilled in Jesus!
---
"The poor and needy search for water....Their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them..."
---(Isaiah 41:17)

--GOD INHABITS PRAISE!
--"You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel."
--Psalm 22:3 NKVJ ~~~
----
--God inhabits praise. Actually, God inhabits our hearts and all circumstances we devote to Him, but He is especially active in our worship. When our hearts are turned toward Him in adoration, He feels at home in them. This is what He designed us for.

Why is God so drawn to worship? Not because He's an egomaniac but because it's an accurate perception of who He is and a celebration of the relationship we have with Him. It's the clearest picture of Heaven that we can reflect on earth.

Think about it. How do words of affirmation sound to you? How much do you enjoy compliments for a job well done or a life well lived? You, who were made in God's image, thrive on appreciation from others. It only makes sense that the God who patterned us after Himself has the same feelings of joy when He is appreciated.

When we realize this and choose to praise God more intentionally, our first attempts often feel contrived. An inner voice may tell us we are just praising Him out of a sense of obligation or in order to experience His benefits. Ignore that voice. So what if worship takes practice--if we have to press through some awkward moments? All relationships have those moments. Choose to worship Him anyway.

Pick an attribute of God and compliment Him for it. Tell Him you love how He created this world or the tenderness He was able to put in the human heart, which surely reflects His own. Adore Him. We usually have no trouble talking about the skills, talents, and admirable characteristics of other human beings; we can do the same with God. And when we do. He inhabits us, our words, and our hearts in often dramatic ways. Go ahead, Praise the Lord! Praise Ye the Lord!

--Experiencing God's Presence/CT=/ PRAISE ADONAI!-Paul Wilbur
<http://youtu.be/yh9VVdfyNLk>
----------------

--Staying on Course
--Read | 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

-The Christian life can be likened to a race with a predetermined course and a finish line in eternity. Each child of God has a personalized route specially designed by the Lord. Our goal is to stay on track and run with endurance, but the path can be discerned and navigated only by focusing on Jesus. Because He ran the race perfectly and finished His course, He can show us the way.

As with any long-term race, the course is full of obstacles that threaten to trip or sidetrack us. Temptations lure us to what we imagine are lush green pastures, while busyness can lead us down rabbit trails that end in exhaustion. Worry and fear grab hold of our minds, and emotions take us places the Lord never intended for us to go.

Although sins present the most obvious hindrances, other obstacles and detours are subtler. Anything that takes precedence over our relationship with the Lord can send us down the wrong path. Because involvement in the daily activities of earthly life is necessary, we can easily let our families, jobs, and pleasures distract us from a wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Surprisingly, even God’s blessings can become obstacles in the race if we start to pursue them more than we do the Lord Himself.

We must remember that the goal is not to focus on the path or to try and find our own way. Instead, we’re to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is not only our guide but also our destination. And He will welcome us home with open arms when we finish the race and cross into eternity.
<http://youtu.be/UXoh-SBDLp4>
--IN TOUCH/ I HAVE DECIDED! By Amy Grant~

--FACING THE IMPOSSIBLE~~
--(read: Joshua 5:13-6:5)

-'See! I have given
Jericho into your
hand.' (v.2) ~~

-WHEN Joshua faced Jericho, a fortified city in lockdown, he may have felt as if he was facing an impossible situation (Josh. 5:13-6:27). But then a Man with a drawn sword appeared to him. Some theologians think the Man was Jesus Himself. Joshua anxiously asked if He would be backing the Israelites or their enemies in the forthcoming battle.

"'Neither one,' he replied,' I am the commander of the LORD's army'" ( 5:14 NLT). Joshua bowed in worship before he took another step. He still didn't know how Jericho would be delivered into his hand, but he listened to God and worshiped Him. Then he obeyed the Lord's instructions and the impossible happened. ~~

-'Dear Lord, often when I am faced with an impossible situation I choose worry rather than trust. Help me to trust You and to remember that nothing is too hard for you.~ amen
--ODB/MS -- HE KNOWS / Jeremy Camp
<https://youtu.be/5Xe3vykow3Q>
-------

--NOW GO!
--Exodus 4:10-17

Now go; I will help
you speak and will
teach you what
to say. (v.12)
----
--MORE than 10,000 evangelists and Christian leaders sat in a giant auditorium in Amsterdam in 1986 listening to world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham. I sat among them, listening as he narrated some of his experiences. Then, to my surprise, he said, "Let me tell you: every time I stand before the congregation of God's people to preach, I tremble and my knees wobble!"

'What! I wondered. How can such a great preacher who has enthralled millions with his powerful sermons exhibit trembling and wobbling knees?'
Then he went on to describe not fear and stage fright, but intense humility and meekness as he felt inadequate for the daunting task to which God had called him. He relied on God for strength, not on his own eloquence.

Moses felt inadequate when God sent him to deliver the enslaved Israelites from their 400-year captivity in Egypt. Moses pleaded with the Lord to send someone else, with the excuse that he had never been a good speaker. (see Ex. 4:10,13).

We may have similar fears when God calls us to do something for Him. But His encouragement to Moses can also spur us on: "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (v.12 NIV)

--As Billy Graham said that day, "When God calls you, do not be afraid of trembling and wobbling knees, for He will be with you!"
-----
-WHEN GOD SENDS US, HE COMES ALONGSIDE US.~~
--ODB/LD --Oh, How He Loves Us -- David Crowder Band
<https://youtu.be/RxTOsQ3LDE4>
-----

---An Illustration of God-/ Do What He Says!

---When David, who was a warrior, minstrel, and ambassador for God, searched for an illustration, he remembered his days as a shepherd. He remembered how he lavished attention on the sheep day and night. How he slept with them and watched over them. And the way he cared for the sheep reminded him of the way God cares for us. David rejoiced to say, “The Lord is my shepherd,” and in doing so he proudly implied, “I am his sheep.”

Of all God’s animals, the sheep is the least able to take care of himself. And yet, we so often hang on to our chest of self-reliance. Why is it that the ones who most need [the Shepherd], resist him so? Scripture says, “Do it God’s way.” Experience says, “Do it God’s way.” And, every so often—we do!
--Traveling Light/ML
[The Lord never forces Himself on anyone. He says, "Come unto Me all who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest." Why can't we just obey. Stop trying to figure everything out. Stop listening to the 'the other voices', and follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He's waiting, ever so patiently, please give Him first place in your life and decisions. He died so that we might live, with Him eternally. Oh, How Jesus loves us! ]

--Hannah’s Example - / The Mother of Samuel

--Read | 1 Samuel 1:1-20
--
--In today’s passage, the prophet Samuel describes his godly parents and the difficult time they had before he was born. From looking at the life of his mother Hannah, we can learn some important principles by which to live. Though her situation involved motherhood, the lessons apply to both men and women.

**STAYING COMMITTED TO FAMILY. One of the women in Hannah’s life tormented her unmercifully. While physical danger wasn't an issue, there was constant emotional turmoil because she could not avoid this person. How tempting it must have been to try and find a way out. And yet Hannah stayed in the home, prayed to the Lord, and did her best to cope. She demonstrated a commitment to family that overrode her need for relief.

--COMMUNICATING LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE. Hannah considered her son Samuel a gift from the Lord (1 Samuel 1:20). I picture her telling him day after day, “God gave you to me. I love you and look forward to what He has planned for you.” We have the power to build up our children and our spouses—or tear them down. Through our prayers, words of affirmation, and hugs and kisses, we show how much we value them. Demonstrating godly love strengthens the people who are most precious to us.

Some of us live with people who make life difficult. At times we are negatively impacted by the choices they make. God understands your situation just as He was fully aware of Hannah’s. Draw close to Him and experience His love and commitment to you. Then express the same to others.
---IN TOUCH
[Our job is to always be obedient and leave the results to God. He is always with us. Even though we can not see Him, we know by the Holy Spirit's witness in our lives, that Jehovah God is directing our steps. Stay in step with His Word. Jesus is the Word of God, made flesh. "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God." ~ (1 John 4:2-3)]

--THE SOURCE OF OUR IDENTITY
---1 Peter 2:9-10

--How often do we evaluate ourselves on the basis of our feelings rather than what God says? The problem is, our feelings are always changing. From one moment to the next, we never know what circumstances will arise to test our faith.

Maybe today is “one of those days”—the car didn’t start, the boss has been breathing down your neck, the mortgage payment is due, and money is short. During such times, it can be difficult to think of yourself with “sober judgment” (Romans 12:3 NIV). But remember, Satan will do whatever he can to divert your attention from the Lord. When we direct our focus toward circumstances instead of the Word of God, we accept what the situation seems to indicate or what others say, instead of what the Lord tells us.

So what do the Scriptures say about us? Today’s passage calls believers “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, [and] . . . God’s own possession.” And our purpose is to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

How encouraging it is to know that we’ve been called into God’s “marvelous light.” Yet unless we have help, we are unable to escape the “darkness” of our circumstances. As believers, we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to overcome Satan’s manipulative tactics.

When circumstances seem unbearable, remember the Lord paid a price to purchase you (1 Corinthians 6:20). Wake up each morning with the knowledge that you are valuable to your Father. Trust in His Word, not your feelings, and allow the Holy Spirit to change your self-perception. // We are on earth to give our Lord glory! So, Let's do it!~~
--IN TOUCH~ - / STAND UP AND GIVE HIM Praise/ Paul Wilbur
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcO5LayRVv8>
---------

--WHO WILL YOU BE?/ WHO DO YOU FOLLOW?

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“And He said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” Luke 18:29-30

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
--God has given you abilities and God wants you to take those abilities and invest them in Him. Friend, it is a sin for you to be less than what God called you to be.

Sure, you may not be the next Einstein, Babe Ruth, Betty Crocker, or Billy Graham. But that’s not the point. The danger is that you will not do what you can do.

--ACTION POINT:
There are three people inside you…who you are right now, who you could be for evil if you allowed the devil to get a hold of you, and who you could be for God. I pray you will let go of this world with both hands and give your all to God for Him to use you. Keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Jesus Christ.~~
--Adrian Rogers~~
[God wants to use you, if you belong to Him. We are on this earth to give Him glory. Can you type? Can you write? Phone Call? Email? Whatever means you have, use them for God's glory.]// HE KNOWS--Jeremy Camp
<https://youtu.be/5Xe3vykow3Q>

--JESUS PROPHESIED ABOUT THE SECOND COMING~~
---(Matthew 24:1-51)

--Jesus delivered this teaching from the Mount of Olives, where the prophet Zechariah predicted that the Messiah would stand when He came to establish His kingdom.

Christians need to be watchful and prepare for Jesus' return, because we don't know when it will be. We should live a holy life. Follow in Jesus' steps. We should be watchful. We should be excited, and we should most definitely be telling others about the Lord's soon return!

If Jesus were to return today, would you be prepared? If not, what steps should you take to be more prepared? Notice that the Lord first of all asks you to lead a holy life.~~

--Lucado Life Lesson Study Bible/ML
-Tell the Lord you love Him. Never be ashamed of the Lord, or one day He may be ashamed of you.
"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." 'GOD YOU REIGN' / Lincoln Brewster (Matthew 10:32-33)
<https://youtu.be/8hYiN_0nxeE>
-------

--REFLECTING THE SON ~~

-"The light shines in
the darkness, and the
darkness has not over-
come it." (John 1:5)
-----
-DUE TO ITS location among sheer mountains and its northern latitude, Rjukan, Norway, does not see natural sunlight from October to March. To lighten up the town, the citizens installed large mirrors on the mountainside to reflect the sunrays and beam sunlight into the town square. The continuous glow is made possible because the giant mirrors rotate with the rising and setting sun.

I like to think of the Christian life as a similar scenario. Jesus said, His followers are "the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14). John the disciple wrote that Christ the true light "shines in the darkness" (John 1:5). So too, Jesus invites us to reflect our light into the darkness around us:
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). That is a call for us to show love in the face of hatred, patience in response to trouble, and peace in moments of conflict. As the apostle Paul reminds us, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" (Eph. 5:8).

Jesus also said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Our light is a reflection of Jesus the Son. Just as without the sun the large mirrors of Rjukan would have no light to reflect, so too we can do nothing without Jesus.~~
--ODB/LD--/ Your Love Oh Lord- Third Day
<https://youtu.be/cWUkJLiR6wc>
-----

--THE THRONE OF GLORY ~~
----(1 John 1:1-4 / Please read)

--When you pray, how do you approach God? Numerous Christians visualize a holy, righteous being and approach Him with feelings of fear, unworthiness, and reluctance. On the other hand, many believers picture the Lord as a pal and talk to Him with little reverence.

Neither approach is healthy. Our finite minds cannot fully grasp that God is both loving and holy. Let’s first explore the holy, fear-provoking side of the Lord. As you read today’s passage, visualize the incredible power around heaven’s throne. It fills my heart with awe and wonder.

Before Jesus walked on earth, the temple contained an area called the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence resided. Only the priest could enter—and just on specified days, after ritual cleansing and preparation.. If he did not get himself ready exactly according to scriptural rules, he would be struck dead. To be in God’s presence requires obedience. In fact, because of the Almighty’s absolute holiness and perfection, He is unable to commune with sinfulness, which is the condition of all mankind (Rom. 3:9). Therefore, every one of us is guilty and deserving of condemnation. Thankfully, though, God did not leave us helpless, but out of His grace and love, sent His Son to be our Redeemer.

Every page of Scripture can deepen our understanding of God’s greatness. Are you amazed at His presence and deeds? To understand more about His character, discipline yourself to read and meditate on the Word. Then take time to praise Him, for He alone is worthy of our adoration.
How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me.
--IN TOUCH~~-I Stand Amazed / Chris Tomlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpJQvdAhcmk

--OBSTACLES OF CONTENTMENT~~
----(Please Read/ Matthew 6:25-30)

Anxiety is a thief. The combination of fear and uncertainty robs many believers of the peace that the heavenly Father intends for them to have (John 14:27). But anxiety does not fit who we are in Jesus Christ. By putting our faith in Him, we have placed our life in the hands of a sovereign God who wants the very best for His children. What do we have to fear when we trust in Him?

Believing in the Lord doesn’t mean that we will never experience uncertainty. What it should mean is that we choose to let go of anxiety and instead trust Him to provide for our needs in His time and His way. When we don’t, fear and doubt can become entrenched in our thinking and develop into a stronghold. Then Satan will dig in and use every resource he can to build our apprehension. That is what sinful anxiety looks like—a sense of fear that overwhelms faith.

Faith can be besieged and toppled when its foundation is weakened by unbelief. I’m not implying that an anxious believer isn’t truly a Christian. However, in saying, “I know God is capable of dealing with the problems in my life, but I’m not sure that He will,” uncertain saints may look for ways to fix the issue themselves instead of waiting patiently for the Lord to act on their behalf.

-The Lord sees the beginning and the end of every situation that we face. He knows the root of our anxiety, the best way to calm our heart, and how to turn our weeping into joy. He will do all of this without leaving our side, because He loves us deeply and desires to bless us richly.
--IN TOUCH~~--/ 'How He Loves Us' / David Crowder~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W9ZcRCVGNw>
-------------

----FROM MOURNING TO DANCING~~

'He has sent me...
to bestow on
[those who grieve]
a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning.'
-(Isaiah 61:1,3)
-----
Though we live in a fallen world where we experience pain and disappointment, the Lord can move us from despair to rejoicing, as we see in Isaiah's prophecy about the coming of Jesus (Isaiah 61:1-3). The Lord gives us hope when we feel hopeless; He helps us to forgive when we think we can't. He teaches us that our identity is in Him and not in what we do. He gives us courage to face an unknown future. When we wear the rags of "ashes," He gently gives us a coat of praise.

When we face loss, we shouldn't run from the sadness, but neither do we want to become bitter or hardened. When we think about God's faithfulness over the years, we know that He's willing and about to turn our grief to dancing once again--to give us sufficient grace in this life and full joy in Heaven.~~

-GOD CAN BRING TIMES OF GROWTH OUT OF OUR TIMES OF HEARTACHE.~~
--ODB/ABP--/ Praise is the Breakthrough~ Kelanie Gloeckler~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyUtROBqzE8>
-------

---ABUNDANT LIFE~~~

--A FRIEND of the late American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes asked him why he had taken up the study of Greek at the age of ninety-four. Holmes replies, "Well, my good sir, it's now or never."

When J. C. Penny was ninety-five years old, he affirmed, "My eyesight may be getting weaker, but my vision is increasing."

Growing old can be dangerous. The trail is treacherous and the pitfalls are many. One is wise to be prepared. You know it's coming. It's not like God kept the process a secret. It's not like you are blazing a trail as you grow older. It's not as if no one had ever done it before. Look around you. You have ample opportunity to prepare and ample case studies to consider. If growing old catches you by surprise, don't blame God. He gave you plenty of warning. He also gave you plenty of advice.

"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39).

"There are two ways to view life," Jesus is saying, "those who protect it or those who pursue it. The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years."

There is a rawness and a wonder to life. Pursue it. Hunt for it. Sell out to get it. Don't listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won't feel guilty. Your goal is not to live long, it's to live.

Time slips. Days pass. Years fade. And life ends. And what we came to do must be done while there is time.

We would think it bizarre for a traveler not to be prepared for the end of the journey. We would pity the poor passenger who never read his itinerary. We'd be bewildered by someone who thought the purpose of the trip was the trip.

-Others, however, are anticipating the destination. I hope you are. And I hope you'll be ready when you get Home. For you, age is no enemy. Age is a mile-marker--a gentle reminder that Home has never been so near.~~

--The Lucado Life Lesson Study Bible/ML~~
[Are you ready to face Jesus when you die? Do you think old age gives you more or less ability to enjoy life?
(You can be sure. Please read Romans Chapter 10: verses 8-13)]//-'FORGIVEN' - By Crowder Worship~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isbz0tM5MzM>
----

--LIVE IT! When You Give Your Life to Jesus You are [spiritually] born again!

You must change. We all were born into sin in this world. Jesus died to set us free from the sins of Satan.
BUT you must do your part. Give your life to Jesus, and ask for forgiveness of your sins, REPENT, Then Jesus can come into your heart and help you become 'BORN AGAIN'. IT IS SPIRITUAL! You can not do this in your flesh......Please read on...

---YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN~
----(PLEASE READ/ John 3:1-16)--

--Life is like a ladder we climb until we die. It would be a shame if we simply stopped and never progressed.[/b] But it could be utterly disastrous if we placed our ladder against the wrong wall and after a lifetime of climbing discovered that we had wasted all the years given to us.

This may have been how Nicodemus felt after talking to Jesus. He’d climbed to the top rung of religious success in Judaism and was known as “the teacher of Israel” (John 3:10). Yet Jesus told him the only way he would see the kingdom of God was to be born again. All his good works, extensive knowledge, and great accomplishments were worthless. Nicodemus realized immediately that just as he had done nothing to bring about his first birth, he could do nothing to be born again. His hopes for eternal life were dashed.

Before Nicodemus was ready to hear the good news, he had to be emptied of all his self-confidence and accomplishments in order to see his need for a Savior. His ladder came crashing down, and he had to start afresh with a new birth of the Spirit if he hoped to gain the kingdom of heaven.

***Where have you placed your ladder? Has God ever emptied you so He can fill you up again? Although there’s nothing you can do to be born again—no good works or religious service—there is something you can believe. God wants you to glimpse His holiness and realize how far you are from His perfect standard. Then, if you come broken and contrite to Jesus, believing His death paid your sin debt, you’ll be born again and will someday see the kingdom of heaven.~~

---IN TOUCH~~/ 'BORN AGAIN' / THIRD DAY~~ <https://youtu.be/u4tOdcZy-3o>
-----------

~~A GOAL AND A PURPOSE ~~

~~"My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me."
---(Acts 20:24)
~~~~~~~
~~~In 2018, endurance athlete Colin O’Brady took a walk that had never been taken before. Pulling a supply sled behind him, O’Brady trekked across Antarctica entirely alone—a total of 932 miles in 54 days. It was a momentous journey of dedication and courage.

Commenting on his time alone with the ice, the cold, and the daunting distance, O’Brady said, “I was locked in a deep flow state [fully immersed in the endeavor] the entire time, equally focused on the end goal, while allowing my mind to recount the profound lessons of this journey.”

~~~For those of us who have put our faith in Jesus, that statement might strike a familiar chord. It sounds a lot like our calling as believers: focused on the goal of walking through life in a way that glorifies (honors) God and reveals Him to others. In Acts 20:24, Paul, no stranger to dangerous journeys, said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

As we walk on in our relationship with Jesus, may we recognize what we know about the purpose for our journey and press on to the day we’ll see our Savior face to face.

--"Dear heavenly Father, as we walk through life, help us to honor You in all we do. And may we encourage others to journey with You. Lord, help us to never be ashamed of You and your Word. Thank You that we never walk alone for You are always with us. ~~In Jesus Name~ amen"

--ODB/DB~~--//"Oh My Soul" // Casting Crowns// <https://youtu.be/3DIi0DRq6ww>
~~~~~~~~~~

~~~SOLDIERS FOR CHRIST!
---[Please Read/ 1 Timothy 6:11-16] -

--In today’s passage, Paul tells a young pastor named Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). But this command isn’t limited to pastors; every believer needs to be a faithful soldier of Christ. That’s because we’re all in a battle—not against people but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Eph. 6:12).

This war began when Satan and other angels rebelled against God. Then Satan tempted Eve to disobey the Lord as well. As a result of Adam and Eve’s rebellion, the earth was cursed, and the entire human race was corrupted by sin. Ever since that day, the battle for truth and righteousness has raged.

Although we may often feel overwhelmed by temptations and deceptions, Jesus modeled the path to victory when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). He used only one weapon to refute each enticement and falsehood—the Word of God.

This is the same powerful weapon our heavenly Father has given us to fight the good fight. When we view daily battles biblically with full reliance on the trustworthiness and authority of Scripture, we can flee sin, pursue righteousness, and stand firmly for the truths of the faith.
The Lord wants a completely surrendered life to Him. He died for you. What will you do for Him? We are not saved by works, but when you become a follower of Jesus, you will want to share His love and message of eternal life to everyone you know. ~~
--IN TOUCH~ [Friends, It is so awesome to go to this website, (posted song), and read the many people all ages [up to 81 yrs], say they are going to start sharing Christ with others. Let's do that for Jesus. He gave everything for you and me. Let's get busy for His kingdom, in Jesus Name.]
--"What If I Gave Everything"//Casting Crowns //<https://youtu.be/tP27ySgbYLU>
~~~~~~~

--Be Ready to Forgive and Be Forgiven ~~

--"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
---(Ephesians 4:32 / ESV ) -

--JUDY HAD NOT SPOKEN to her sister in thirty years. One night as she added the usual "Bless Mary Beth" to her prayers, she sensed a clear message: That's not good enough. You need to go ask her for forgiveness. Judy felt shocked. "Ask her for forgiveness?" But she flew out to visit Mary Beth, who was in poor health. When Mary Beth said she didn't feel like should could be forgiven for the life she'd led, Judy shared the love of Jesus and then mailed her a Bible. Two months later, Mary Beth was found dead. Nearby the Bible lay, open to a Psalm.

As Judy shared her story in Bible study, a thought nagged Gayle: I've made a mistake. Gayle and her own sister had not communicated much through the years due to various reasons. Now Sandy was recovering from a stroke. Gayle drove two hours to Sandy's house and spent the evening talking. The door opened to a close and loving relationship. Later on she would be able to share the message of salvation.

Refusing to forgive someone is like getting trapped in a maze of bitterness and resentment that stunts our spiritual growth and infects all areas of our life. Even simply neglecting a family relationship can steal our joy and peace. If we sense a prompting to take the first step toward reconciliation, its' a gift from God. Yes, we'll feel awkward or fearful reaching out, wondering is our efforts will be rebuffed. Yes, we do risk getting hurt. But Jesus will give us the ability to forgive if we ask for His help. And who knows what chain reaction of grace our obedience might set? We are to be a vessel of honor for Christ. The Holy Spirit will do the convicting and converting. Let's keep on sharing the love of Jesus. 'Some plant (the seed), some water, but God gives the increase.' --[1 Corinthians 3:5 thru 6]

--'Mornings With Jesus'/ DNM~
--"God Who Listens"// Chris Tomlin (feat. Thomas Rhett) //<https://youtu.be/m1khJCXGcUI>
~~~~~~~

--Did Jesus Say We Would Not Be Tempted?

--SOLDIERS FOR CHRIST~~
--[Please Read/1 Timothy 6:11-16] -

In today’s passage, Paul tells a young pastor named Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). But this command isn’t limited to pastors; every believer needs to be a faithful soldier of Christ. That’s because we’re all in a battle—not against people but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Eph. 6:12).

This war began when Satan and other angels rebelled against God. Then Satan tempted Eve to disobey the Lord as well. As a result of Adam and Eve’s rebellion, the earth was cursed, and the entire human race was corrupted by sin. Ever since that day, the battle for truth and righteousness has raged.

Although we may often feel overwhelmed by temptations and deceptions, Jesus modeled the path to victory when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). He used only one weapon to refute each enticement and falsehood—the Word of God.

This is the same powerful weapon our heavenly Father has given us to fight the good fight. When we view daily battles biblically with full reliance on the trustworthiness and authority of Scripture, we can flee sin, pursue righteousness, and stand firmly for the truths of the faith.

--IN TOUCH~--"Praise You In This Storm" // (lyrics) Natalie Grant // v<https://youtu.be/QW6K8Klj3vg>
~~~~~~~

---DIDN"T GET CREDIT?
~~~(Colossians 4:7-18)

---"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
---[Matthew 5:16] -

~~~During the wildly popular Hollywood musicals of the 1950s and 1960s, Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, and Deborah Kerr thrilled viewers with their compelling performances. But did you know that it was Marni Nixon whose voice was often dubbed in for singing instead of those voices and those leading ladies?

In the body of Christ there are often people who faithfully support those with a more public role. The apostle Paul depended on exactly that kind of person in his ministry. Tertius's work as a scribe gave Paul his powerful written voice (Romans 16:22). Epaphas's consistent behind-the-scene prayers laid an essential foundation for Paul and early church (Colossians 4:12-13). Paul's work would not have been possible without support from these fellow and other servants (vv. 7-18).

We may not have highly visible roles, yet we know that God is pleased when we fulfill our essential part in His plan. When we "give [ourselves] fully fully to the work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58), we will find value and meaning in our service as it brings glory to God and draws others to Him. Let's be sure to give all glory to Jesus. ~~
--ODB/CHK

---"His Name Is Jesus" [Phil Wickham / lyric video] <https://youtu.be/uqnkIzXRvGc>
~~~~~~~~~